Shoulder Surgery For Rivera?

PA confirms that Mariano Rivera is, in fact, injured and is leaning towards (minor) surgery in order to correct the problem (although a rehab program is still on the table). Amazingly, Mo told PA that this is something he has dealt with all season long and when you look at his numbers, they don’t necessarily scream “injured” (not by any means). Since the arthroscopic procedure is considered to be minor, Rivera will not miss any time in 2009, if he opts for the surgery.

No Go

From Bryan Hoch (Yankees’ website):

The Yankees have not ruled out a return from Giambi in 2009, and general manager Brian Cashman has already reached out to Giambi to gauge his interest in playing in New York for another season. Giambi said that Cashman told him he would need to figure out his own situation first. Cashman’s contract expires Oct. 31 and, though the Yankees want him back, he is waiting until after the season to decide.

The Yankees figure to evaluate Giambi as they would any other free agent, primed to buy out his $22 million option at a price of $5 million. Giambi’s response to Cashman was that he is interested in a multi-year deal but would love to stay, as he hopes to play into his 40s.

If Giambi wants a multi-year deal, he’s going to have to get it elsewhere. I’ve speculated that the Angels or even the Oakland A’s could make a run at Giambi.

Will Moose Return?

Well, according to Roch Kubatko who recently spoke with Jim Palmer, Moose could retire next year (that’s what he told Palmer). I’d like to see Mussina return. You can’t argue with results and he had the results this year, regardless of his age.

I Doubt Surgery Could Save Joe Girardi’s Credibility…

Last night I reported that Mariano Rivera was getting a routine physical. Now, however, as seen here, that’s simply not the case. In fact, he has a sore shoulder and could need surgery (albeit minor surgery).

Joe Girardi, the secretive government worker, failed to deliver this information last night and the beat writers are up in arms. Brian Cashman broke the news to them and Girardi still acted as if Rivera was having a routine physical for a “cranky body” when questioned about it later. I wrote about Girardi’s problems with disclosure a few weeks, when he hid a Damaso Marte injury and now, it appears as though things have finally reach the point of no return. Girardi should just help himself and start telling the truth, or at least something closer to the truth, or else his tenure in the Bronx will continue to be a bumpy ride.